Do Penis Pumps Work?
October 22, 2020
4 mins
Medications to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) almost exclusively require a prescription. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are popular brands for medications that treat ED. These medications are FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction.
Penis pumps are a more accessible treatment option for ED. However, there are some risks associated with this type of ED treatment.
What is a Penis Pump?
Penis pumps are vacuum erection devices that increase blood flow to your penis to help you achieve an erection. The device can also be used in conjunction with ED medications like Cialis and Viagra. Contrary to assumption, penis pumps do not make your penis bigger.
This form of treatment may be easier to purchase at more affordable prices. While penis pumps can help with ED, they cannot cure ED.
What are the parts of a penis pump?
Penis pumps work by creating negative pressure to increase blood flow and expand penile tissue. As air or water is drawn out of the vacuum tube, all parts of the penis expand to fill the vacant space.
A penis pump is made of a generally cylindrical vacuum tube (where the action happens) and a pump. The vacuum tube is placed over the flaccid penis and the user applies a vacuum device (manual or electric) to produce an erection. Some pumps have a manual squeeze ball or hand pump, while others have a battery-operated pump built in.
Once the user has an erection, they remove the pump. Some guys use a constriction ring at the base of the penis to help maintain blood flow to the penis and maintain an erection.
What different kinds of penis pumps exist?
You do not need a prescription to get an over-the-counter penis pump. However, FDA-approved penis pumps do require a prescription.
Penis pumps are available in a wide array of styles and functionality. The most affordable penis pumps are air pumps that use a manual hand-squeeze vacuum process. More elaborate devices work with an automated battery-operated pump.
Some pumps require water for the vacuum process. They're typically more expensive than air models and more time-consuming. Penis pumps that use water are often used in the shower.
How Do You Use a Penis Pump?
Step 1: The first step to using a penis pump is placing the vacuum tube over the penis.
Step 2: Apply lubrication to carefully and slowly slide the constriction band down the length of the penis.
Step 3: Once the penis is placed inside the tube, the pump creates a change in air pressure that increases blood flow.
Step 4: After you reach an erection, slowly and carefully remove the penis from the tube by sliding the constriction ring down the length of the penis.
Tips for using a penis pump
You may want to trim hair around the penis to increase comfort near the ring that goes at the base of the penis. Water-based lubricants may work better at preventing friction and irritation than other types of lubrication.
Be careful not to increase pressure in the device too quickly. It can take anywhere between a couple of seconds to seven minutes to achieve an erection. It's not uncommon for a man to use a penis pump more than once a day.
However, it's important to start pacing yourself slowly when you first start using a penis pump. Too much pressure on the penis too soon may lead to complications or pain while trying to reach an erection. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider about how often you should use the pump.
How Effective is a Penis Pump?
One study of older men found that over 96% of them maintained an erection with the device. Some partners also reported better sexual intimacy after using a penis pump. When using a penis pump, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and any directions from your healthcare provider.
Recent research has found that penis pumps can help people with ED achieve an erection around 90% of the time. The effects can last for as long as 30 minutes.
One of the most important things to look for in a penis pump is a quick-release safety mechanism. This is a small switch through which you can rapidly release the pressure device's air for quick removal. Some penis pumps also have a vacuum limiter so that it never builds up too much negative pressure.
What are the Risks of Using a Penis Pump?
It's not recommended to ever leave a constriction ring on for more than 30 minutes. Over-pressurizing a penis pump may lead to priapism or bleeding under the surface of the skin. Bleeding under the surface of the skin may look like red dots on the penis.
Priaprism is an erection that lasts long after sexual intercourse. Be sure to stop using a penis pump if you notice your skin turning blue or feel numbness on the penis.
Bruising around the penis may be a sign that you are using the penis pump incorrectly. It may also indicate a blood flow issue, especially for people with blood thinners. Penis pumps may not be an ideal form of erectile treatment for people with blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.
Some penis pump devices may be made with potentially harmful chemicals. Look for devices that are phthalate and BPA-free. If you find a penis pump uncomfortable to put on and take off, be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider about alternative treatments.
What are the Benefits of Using a Penis Pump?
Penis pumps are a noninvasive, generally safe form of erectile treatment. In some cases, using a penis pump can gradually lead to being able to naturally produce an erection on your own. They can also be used after major procedures like prostate surgery. Men who have been treated with radiation therapy for prostate therapy can also use penis pumps.
How Rex MD Can Help
Whether erectile dysfunction is a new issue for you or you've been dealing with symptoms for years, prescription medications or penis pumps can help improve your symptoms. Rex MD offers access to ED medications like tadalafil and sildenafil.
Get started today with finding an ED medication that works best for you.
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